Starting as a Ninja in the Naruto World

Emiya Shigen did not respond.

Because this was an answer anyone could deduce.

However…

If Tobirama Senju could catch on quickly enough…

This brilliant strategist would likely notice another important detail: that Emiya Shigen, who had once been within the Pure Land of the afterlife, understood the concept of time there.

Emiya Shigen…

Possessed power akin to that of a god.

And yet, in Shigen's description, he spoke as though he were a mere observer explaining the Sage of Six Paths, leaving Tobirama, who was keenly deciphering the mysteries of the Pure Land, unable to see through it.

"I don't really understand," Hashirama Senju said, his confusion evident.

For someone like him, concepts like time and existence in the Pure Land were far too abstract. He believed only his brother, Tobirama, could fully comprehend them.

"Let me simplify it…"

Emiya Shigen shook his head, choosing a more grounded explanation.

"Beyond time…"

"Space, too, is a scarce commodity."

"Spirits of the dead are often left utterly isolated."

"These spirits never truly understand where they are within the Pure Land. They wander without direction, unable to sense the expanse of the afterlife or their own location…"

"In the Pure Land, their dying obsessions might allow them to find other kindred spirits. But they'll never fully grasp where they are or how to connect with others."

Shigen paused, refraining from explaining the intricacies of how spirits meet in the Pure Land. He shifted the focus to something else.

"However…"

"Only beings like gods possess the concept of space."

"Only gods know their exact location. Only gods understand the whereabouts of every spirit. A god can summon any spirit from the Pure Land at will, or even tap into the power the spirit once wielded in life."

"…"

Tobirama's realization of the Pure Land's true nature sent chills down his spine.

To ordinary humans, death meant losing all meaning. A soul adrift in the afterlife, without time or space, was essentially a flickering remnant of existence.

No…

That assumption felt… incomplete.

Perhaps…

Eternity in the afterlife was akin to true peace.

No, that was wrong as well.

Tobirama's mind raced.

For beings like the Sage of Six Paths, whose power transcended time and space even in death, wouldn't the Pure Land essentially grant them eternal life?

"Of course."

Emiya Shigen interrupted Tobirama's spiraling thoughts with a voice as deep as a bottomless abyss.

"A god can even prevent a person's soul from entering the Pure Land."

"I still don't quite get it…" Hashirama admitted with a sheepish grin.

In Hashirama's eyes, it was simply unthinkable for someone to not know where they were or to lose the ability to connect with others.

"Big Brother, shut up!"

Tobirama snapped, silencing his older brother. He was starting to piece it all together and couldn't afford Hashirama's interruptions.

After a moment, Tobirama composed himself and spoke:

"Fine. Let me explain it myself."

Tobirama turned to Emiya Shigen, his tone heavy with newfound clarity.

"If the Sage of Six Paths can stop someone's soul from entering the Pure Land, that means… he can prevent someone from dying entirely."

"Exactly," Shigen confirmed, nodding. Green chakra flickered around his hand, emitting a faint glow.

"To someone like the Sage of Six Paths, stopping a soul from entering the Pure Land is trivial. Reviving someone on the brink of death is just as simple."

"For example…"

"The Sage could grant Hashirama's soul a unique power."

"This power could allow his soul to return to a body that hasn't yet succumbed to complete death…"

"The power of Yang Release…" Tobirama murmured, recalling the life-giving force Shigen had mentioned before.

"I think I understand now," Hashirama interjected, nodding with a sudden realization. "So, you're saying if the Sage of Six Paths chooses to help me, he could stop my death, and I'd be able to continue living. Is that right?"

"…"

Tobirama clenched his fists tightly, his knuckles whitening.

The Sage of Six Paths was their ancestor.

Even so, Tobirama found himself grappling with bitterness. If such a god truly existed, why hadn't he intervened during the endless bloodshed of the Warring States period?

The Senju…

The Uchiha…

The countless smaller clans that had allied with or opposed them…

Had endured centuries of brutal conflict. If the Sage had such immense power, why hadn't he acted to prevent such suffering?

No, Tobirama thought.

Perhaps…

If a god intervened too frequently, humans would grow complacent.

After all, why strive for anything when divine intervention could solve every problem?

But still…

Here they were, reduced to hoping for divine intervention themselves.

"The Sage of Six Paths will save my brother, won't he?" Tobirama asked, his voice trembling.

Shigen remained silent for a moment before responding with cold detachment:

"I don't know."

The words hit like a hammer.

"That's why I said this plan has a slim chance of success," Shigen continued. "To you, Hashirama's survival is essential. You need him to handle the threat posed by Madara."

"But to the Sage of Six Paths…"

"Your fleeting peace may hold no value."

"…"

Tobirama slammed his fist into the wall.

This high-and-mighty god…

Looking down on their lives, their struggles, their fleeting achievements.

Even if the Sage was their ancestor, Tobirama could not quell the anger swelling in his chest.

It was a cosmic joke.

"All we can do is try," Hashirama said, forcing a smile despite his weakening state. "Worst-case scenario, I die. That's not so bad, is it?"

"No," Shigen replied bluntly.

His words silenced everyone.

"Your death could be far worse than you think," Shigen explained. "Your soul might not return to the Pure Land. Instead, you could become trapped in the void between life and death, consumed by unresolved obsessions."

"Your passing…"

"May not even catch the Sage's attention."

Only one path remained: a desperate gamble to force Hashirama's soul into the liminal space between life and death.

It was the only chance to draw the Sage's gaze.

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Powerstones?

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